JOHANNESBURG Orlando Pirates defender Zvenyika Makonese The Zimbabwean international, nicknamed Soldier because of his uncompromising approach to the game, scored in the last minute of injury time at Orlando Stadium and ran his hand across his neck in a scything movement suggesting slaughter.
The celebration was deemed by some sections of the media as provocative and violent but Makonese said it was just a heat of the moment reaction signaling to the Pirates supporters that the game was as good as over.
As players we experience a lot of frustration when things do not go our way and sometimes can do or say things we do not really mean. The same goes when we are excited. We can do crazy stuff in the heat of the moment. And as a human being, I am no different, the former Shabanie Mine defender told Pirates official website last week.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions after scoring the winner. I did not know what to do, hence I just ran towards the touchline to signal to our supporters that it was all over and that we are through to the next stage.
The towering centrebacks goal helped the Buccaneers qualify for the Nedbank Cup last 16 against giant killing Al Puk Tukwana at Orlando Stadium this afternoon. Makonese said, Celebrations are already over and it is back to hard work. We started training last Saturday morning after two days off to start preparing for our next opponents. This is just the beginning, there is still a long way to go, and that is why we are going to treat every game as if our lives depends on it.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs Zimbabwean central defence pillar Thomas Svesve returned to training with the team last Thursday as he recovers from an injury that blighted his outstanding debut season in the ABSA Premiership.
Team officials told The Zimbabwean on Sunday that the robust player had returned alongside midfielder Gerald Sibeko and the pair was responding well to treatment. Team physiotherapist Dave Milner said the duo had resumed light training.
They are both responding well since Thursday. Svesve has a problem with his back while Gerald (Sibeko) injured his knee at training back in March. We will monitor their progress as times goes, Milner said from Naturena, the Johannesburg clubs base.
The injury to Svesve is a major blow to Chiefs Nedbank Cup prospects. They square up against First Division campaigners FC Cape Town in a Last 16 clash of the competition. Svesve, who plays for the South African glamour club alongside countrymen Tinashe Nengomasha, Zhaimu Jambo and Knowledge Musona, was one of the consistent performers for the team in the just-ended Premiership as Chiefs eventually finished third behind Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Post published in: Football